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Class of 1966 engineering alumnus reflects on his career and time at Brunel

Class of 1966 engineering alumnus reflects on his career and time at Brunel

Published: 14 Mar 2023

Henry Mason

My time at Brunel led me to the status of Chartered Engineer and membership of the professional institutions MIMechE, MIT and MInstMC.

Henry, Undergraduate, Alumni

Electrical Engineering BTech - 1966

From UK

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

I have worked in the Offshore, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Power Generation, Water and Nuclear industries. I have experience in the preparation of Data Sheets; Specifications; Calculations; Operating Manuals; Flow Diagrams; Logic Diagrams; Procedures and ‘hands on’ site work for: - Design, Loss Prevention - API 14C analysis, Inspection and Testing; Installation; Commissioning for equipment such as Compressors (anti-surge); Pumps; Heat Exchangers; Furnaces and Boilers; Columns; Storage Tanks; Reboilers; Fans; Generators; Diesel Engines; Gas Turbines; ESD / Safety / Shutdown Systems; DCS Systems; F & G Systems; Control, Choke Valves; Subsea Separator; Loading Arms/Hoses; Fiscal Flow metering / Tank Gauging, Radar/Tuning Fork Level devices; V notches and Rectangular Weirs.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

When working I specified and designed control systems. Starting with the client’s specifications and design codes. Then preparing data sheets and specifications for procurement of equipment and eventually inspection, testing, installation and commissioning.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

Working offshore in the North Sea and overseas in Holland, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Saudi Arabia and the USA.

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

My time at Brunel led me to the status of Chartered Engineer and membership of the professional institutions MIMechE, MIT and MInstMC.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I had already studied for my HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering at Brunel College before it became a University; fellow apprentices at Evershed and Vignoles were already attending Brunel.

What is your best memory of studying here?

Starting the Brunel Cricket team when the ground facilities were available in Uxbridge whilst we were still based at Woodlands Avenue.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Plan to learn some languages and spend time in-country practicing them.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Choose a job that leads somewhere and has potential. Ensure it allows you mobility in Europe and elsewhere.

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